The two-lane Redgate Bridge over the Fox River is now open near St. Charles North High School.  Photo by News Bulletin staff.

The new Red Gate Bridge is now open for business.

The two-lane roadway opened to vehicle traffic following an official ribbon-cutting ceremony mid-month that drew more than 170 people for the event. Activities kicked off at nearby St. Charles North High School and an official ribbon cutting immediately followed on the bridge at 11 a.m. 

The new bridge extends Red Gate Road across the Fox River to Route 25 and provides St. Charles with its northernmost river crossing. The city broke ground for the bridge in August 2011. 

“This day has been a long time coming,” Mayor Donald P. DeWitte said, “The Red Gate Bridge will greatly improve transportation for the residents of St. Charles, and our township neighbors in the surrounding area. I am pleased and proud to invite our residents to join us, to witness this milestone event for the City of St. Charles.”

Construction of the Red Gate Bridge roadway was completed on time and within budget. Work continues on the pedestrian and bicycle pathway that will connect existing trails on either side of the river. The pedestrian pathway is scheduled to open in the spring of 2013 and will mark the completion of the Red Gate Bridge project.